Allergy walk in Tempe

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network walk to support food allergy research and education is this Saturday, Dec. 3 at Tempe Arts Park, adjacent to the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe.

Register online at foodallergywalk.org or the day of the walk at 9am for the 10am start time. The walk will be held, rain or shine.

Donation submissions: If you collect any donations offline, bring them to the walk with a completed donation submission form.

New this year: You may bring your credit card (AMEX, Master Card, Visa) to submit a secure donation at the Walk.

Restrictions: Baby strollers and wagons are welcomed but no bikes, roller skates, skate boards, pets or glass bottles.

Hundreds of Valley residents are expected to complete the three-mile walk with their families and friends to raise money for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network . Also attending will be Canadian singer Kyle Dine, The Phoenix Suns Gorilla, Arizona Diamondbacks Baxter, ASU’s Sparky, The Phoenix Coyotes Howler, Phoenix International Raceway’s NASCAR race car, City of Mesa Councilmember Dave Richins and allergist Levente Erdos, M.D..

The event is free and will have a carnival-like atmosphere for the entire family, including clowns, face painting, balloon artists, arts and crafts, The Game Truck mobile gaming unit, P.I.R.’s NASCAR race car (you can jump into the driver’s seat and get your picture taken), The Phoenix Coyotes Slap Shot game, a bouncy house and a live DJ.

For more info visit foodallergywalk.org or contact walktempe@foodallergy.org

Holiday giving: Fill a fire truck with food (and other ways to help on Super Saturday)

Rural-Metro fire fighters are asking the community to fill their truck with donations of non-perishable food items for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.

Requested food items include peanut butter, tuna, canned fruit and vegetables, rice, pasta and cereal. Cash donations also are welcome.

For each dollar raised, the Food Bank can distribute the equivalent of seven meals into the community.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 19
Time: Noon to 4pm
Location: Bashas’ Supermarket, 5115 N. Litchfield Rd., Litchfield Park

The event is part of St. Mary’s fifth annual “Super Saturday” food drive. Visit any of the following additional locations from 9am to 3pm Saturday, Nov. 19, to drop off food or cash donations. The organization hopes to reach a goal of 6,000 donated turkeys for holiday boxes.

• St. Mary’s Food Bank Stardust Campus (2831 N. 31st Ave)
• St. Mary’s Westside Facility (13050 W. Elm Street in Surprise)
• Albertsons Desert Ridge (21001 N. Tatum Blvd.)
• Albertsons Glendale (20255 N. 59th Ave.)
• Albertsons Peoria (8240 W. Deer Valley Road)
• Albertsons Surprise (16750 W. Bell Road)
• Albertsons Scottsdale (2785 N. Scottsdale Road)
• Albertsons Via Linda (11475 E. Via Linda)
• Albertsons Flagstaff (1416 E. Route 66)
• Harkins Christown 14 (1620 W. Montebello)
• Harkins Scottsdale 101 14 (7000 E. Mayo Blvd.)
• Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18 (16046 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center)
• Harkins Gateway Pavilions 18 (10250 W. McDowell Road)
• Harkins Tempe Marketplace 16 (2000 E. Rio Salado Drive)
• Harkins Scottsdale Shea 14 (7354 E. Shea Blvd.)
• Harkins Flagstaff 11 (1959 Woodlands Village Blvd.)

Just look for the giant inflatable turkeys and smiling volunteers.

“Travel with Kids” premiere to benefit Vista Colina Family Homeless Shelter

The Simmons family: Jeremy, Carrie, Nathan and Seamus.

A Phoenix family is using the local launch of their new television show, “Travel With Kids,” to make a contribution to families at the Vista Colina Family Homeless Shelter.

The Travel With Kids PBS Premiere Party & Fundraiser for CASS will be held at 6pm Thursday, Nov. 10 at Picture Show Paradise Valley, located inside Paradise Valley Mall. Raising Arizona Kids is co-promoting the event.  Children are welcome.

The Simmons family — Carrie, Jeremy and their sons Nathan (11) and Seamus (9) — turned their passion for travel into an award-winning television series. Forty-nine episodes feature tips on making international trips entertaining and educational while introducing young adventurers to local customs, food and breath-taking scenery. 

“Traveling really opens up children’s eyes to the world around them,” says Carrie Simmons. “But there is so much need right here in our community too. That’s why we decided to incorporate the fundraiser into our premiere.”

The series, which already is broadcast internationally, debuts on local PBS station KAET on Sunday, Nov. 13. It will air each Sunday at noon.

Everyone who attends the premiere party will get a chance to meet the Simmons family, enjoy finger foods and drinks, participate in children’s activities and get an exclusive sneak peek at a “Travel With Kids” episode.

Entry is by donation and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the shelter, an affiliate of Central Arizona Shelter Services.

For more information, or to reserve your seats, visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=163065310450650

In the critically acclaimed series — which has won a Telly Award, an iParenting Media award, KIDS First! endorsement, the Dove Foundation Family Seal of Approval and the Adding Wisdom Award — viewers follow the Simmons family (known on-camera as the Roberts family) as they experience new destinations. While the on-camera parents offer travel tips, Nathan and Seamus offer comic relief with their own antics and adventures.

Destinations in the series include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Mexico, London, New York, Paris, Ireland, Flordia, the Bahamas, Alaska, Scotland, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Peru.

Learn more about “Travel With Kids.”

An evening with Dick Hoyt

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona presents “An Evening of Motivation and Inspiration with Dick Hoyt” from 5:30 to 8pm Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the Doubletree Resort & Spa.

Dick Hoyt pushes his son Rick in their first Boston Marathan (1981). Photo courtesy of Team Hoyt.

Hoyt and his son, Rick, who has cerebral palsy, compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country. Team Hoyt strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community. (See a video story about the Hoyts and a gallery of photos on the Team Hoyt website.)

The Doubletree Resort & Spa is located at 5401 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. General admission to the event is $50; VIP admission, which includes an opportunity to meet with with Dick Hoyt, is $100. Register online.

If you’ve never heard the Dick Hoyt story, here’s a quick introduction to a story Mary Carillo did last November on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumble:

Portraits of Opportunity to benefit children

Photo by Christine Keith.

A unique photography exhibit and fundraiser this week focuses on children who need your help.

The third annual Portraits of Opportunity event celebrates  the real lives of families impacted by the services available at Southwest Human Development — while acknowledging the growing unmet needs of others.

Photo by Rick Gayle.

The event features work by some of the Valley’s best-known photographers, whose pictures tell the stories of children and families who were touched and changed. Participants will meet the photographers and families and learn about the latest work in the early childhood field.

Portraits of Opportunity takes place from 6 to 9pm Thursday, Oct. 20 from 6-9pm at Steele Indian School Park’s Memorial Hall and includes wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit programs for young children.

Auction items include:

• 12 person suite at a Phoenix Coyotes game
• one night stay for two plus a $150 spa credit at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona
• Police helicopter patrol flight
• Bootcamp membership
• Gift certificates to some of Phoenix’s best restaurants

Photo by Rick Gayle.

Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Get your
tickets today.

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit child development agency, providing programs and support for more than 135,000 children ages birth to 5 and their families.

“I’ve met many famlies who are so grateful for the services that [SWHD] offered,” says Karen Ramos, senior manager of community relations for CVS Caremarks and a longtime SWHD supporter. “One particular mother didn’t know what to do or where to turn when she had a baby born with a disability. A nurse at the hospital told her about Southwest Human Development; she was so grateful to have that help to guide her. When I met her, the child was 3 and she had seen him improve and grow. She attributed all of it, from the day he was born, to Southwest Human Development.”

Read some of the success stories that inspired the exhibit. To purchase tickets, visit swhd.org or call Lindsey Roberts at 602-224-1759.

Photo by Christine Keith.

Run (or walk) to fight children’s cancer

Olivia Baumgardner.

Grand Canyon University is hosting the inaugural Run to Fight Children’s Cancer on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Olivia Baumgardner, a 4-year-old who was diagnosed in October 2010 and is currently undergoing treatment, will start the race.

Grand Canyon University is hosting the 10K/5K run and cancer survivors’ walk to increase awareness of children’s cancer and raise funds for Tempe-based Children’s Cancer Network, which provides support for Arizona children and families dealing with childhood cancer.

The run will take place from 7 a.m. to noon at Grand Canyon University, 3300 W. Camelback Rd. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Family-friendly activities will include face painting, music and appearances from local professional sports team mascots.

Take advantage of early registration discounts by signing up today. Fees for the 10K run are $30 through today, $35 tomorrow through Oct 14 and $40 the day of the event. Fees for the 5K run are $25 through today, $30 tomorrow through Oct 14 and $35 the day of the event. The Cancer Survivors’ Walk is free, and family and friends of survivors are encouraged to participate.

Participants will receive an official race T-shirt, goodie bag and refreshments, and the first 500 people to register will receive race day performance socks.

Last year, an estimated 350 Arizona children were diagnosed with cancer.

“Gas and food are two of the highest needs families in Arizona have in dealing with childhood cancer,” says Patti Luttrell, founder of the Children’s Cancer Network. “Daily trips to and from the hospital for weeks or months takes a financial toll on families.”

The organization dispersed more than $25,000 in gas cards in 2010.

Sponsors of the event include Bank of America, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns. For information on registration and volunteer opportunities, call 602-639-7286 or visit runtofightcancer.com.

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian University founded in 1949 and regionally accredited. It emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional in six colleges: the Ken Blanchard College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Nursing, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Find Arts and Production, and the College of Doctoral Studies. gcu.edu.

About Children’s Cancer Network

Children’s Cancer Network provides financial, educational and psychosocial support to children and families dealing with childhood cancer and strives to increase awareness of pediatric cancer research and the need to find a cure for cancer. childrenscancernetwork.org.

Midwestern University, Rawhide host diabetes walks

Walkers flood the pathways at Midwestern University’s Glendale campus at the start of the 2010 American Diabetes Association’s "Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes."

The annual American Diabetes Association’s “Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes” will take place in two Valley locations Saturday, Oct. 1st.

Early birds can gather at Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 N. Loop Rd. in Chandler. Registration for this walk begins at 6:30am, with your choice of a one- or three-mile walk through the 1880s western town starting at 8am.

Or, enjoy walking in the balmy early evening hours at Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus. Registration opens at the Barrel Student Center beginning at 4:30pm, with the walk from 6 to 7pm. The course is a five-kilometer tour of the Midwestern’s campus, located at 19555 N. 59th Avenue in Glendale.

At Midwestern, participants and their families can also enjoy activities including inflatables, a dunk tank, face painting, fresh popcorn and Italian ice. An informational pavilion with vendor booths will be on hand to provide educational materials about diabetes. Midwestern University has been a host site for the Association’s walk since 2004. The 2010 event raised more than $250,000.

Walkers are raising money to support diabetes research, education and advocacy for the 25.8 million people with diabetes throughout the U.S. Cigna Medical Group is sponsoring both walks.  Find more details here.

Midwestern University is a graduate degree-granting institution specializing in the health sciences. The Glendale campus is home to more than 2,800 students and five colleges: the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Pharmacy-Glendale, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona, and the Arizona College of Optometry. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The American Diabetes Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Learn more at 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org.

Walk to fight the spread of AIDS

More than one million people live with it. One in every five don’t know they have it. More than 56,000 become infected per year and 18,000 die because of it. HIV/AIDS remains a very serious problem.

On Sunday, Oct. 2, Aunt Rita’s Foundation will host the AIDS Walk Phoenix and 5K Run to raise money for 19 central Phoenix agencies that work to stop the spread of HIV. The walk begins at Third Street and Washington in Phoenix.

This is the fourth annual walk; last year’s raised $353,272. Before the walk is a 5K run, which begins at 9am. Medals are rewarded to the top three men and the top three women finishers in six age categories. The walk begins at 9:05am.

The fee for walkers is $25 and the early registration fee for runners is $30. Children 12 and under walk free. Register here.

If you would like to bring your trusty dog along, AIDS Walk Phoenix also offers Paws for the Cause. The $10 registration fee for the dogs includes a bandana and a bag of dog treats. Adult registration is $25; children 12 and under walk free. Dogs must be registered and must accompany their owners at all times.

More than 56,300 new people are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS each year. Here’s our chance to support them.

— Jordan Taffet

Fundraiser yard sale and food drive

Sara, Isaac (4) and Seren (10) up north this summer.

Sara Jaynes is a 34-year-old mother of two fighting stage four carcinoid cancer that has metastasized to bones, liver and more. She lived below her means and wasn’t struggling until the enormous medical bills from her treatment started coming in.

Her family and friends rallied in support and the result is a gigantic yard sale until 6pm today at 906 E. Pasadena Ave. in Phoenix (near 10th Street and Camelback Road). The family has been collecting donations for weeks. There will be clothes, toys, household items, appliances, motorcycles and even a bake sale. There is also a food drive to help stock Sara’s pantry.

Nona Catchings, Sara’s stepmother, summed it up best while organizing the yard sale. “We need her to concentrate on getting better and not on keeping the lights on and the kids fed.” If you are unable to attend the sale, you can email helpsara@cox.net to make a donation.

Golf to support kids with learning disabilities

Millions of people across the world suffer with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, and do not receive the help that they require.

On September 25, 2011, Arizona Literacy and Learning Center  will host the 17th Annual Kilts for Kids Golf Tournament at the Starfire Golf Club in Scottsdale. This year, they are naming it after Boyd Clements and calling it the “Boyd Clements Memorial Golf Tournament.”  Clements was dedicated to building a state-of-the-art learning center for those struggling with learning disabilities.

Arizona Literacy and Learning Center asks that you help make Boyd’s vision a reality. By attending the event, and trying to get that “hole in one,” you are helping to ensure that children who are struggling with learning disabilities have a safe place that will help them reach their true potential.

Registration begins at 6:30am. The bagpipes and tournament will begin at 7:30am. The first, second, and third place scorers will be recognized, as well as the individual who gets closest to the pin, the man and the woman who have the straightest drives, and anyone who gets a hole in one.

All participants are welcome to join a luncheon following the tournament, at which raffle winners will also be announced.

To register visit azlit.org

- Jordan Taffet